When it comes to labor and delivery, there are only a few options for pain relief that are completely safe for both pregnant women and their babies. Nitrous oxide, or what is more commonly known as laughing gas, has been used as a labor analgesic in other parts of the world since the late 19^th century, but it never really took off in the US to the same extent that it did in places like the UK, where it is commonly used. The most popular method of labor pain control in the US is the epidural, followed by IV opiates such as Demerol, Stadol & Fentanyl. Epidurals carry risks of major side effects, both during labor and for some amount of time afterward. During labor epidurals can slow down labor by decreasing the body’s normal production of oxytocin and by keeping babies in occiput posterior positions, which slows their descent.

Fortunately, many American institutions, from birth centers to hospitals, have rediscovered this great analgesic in recent years, and have begun offering it. Unlike an epidural, it does not require an invasive injection near the spinal cord, and it leaves women in control of how and when they want to use it. For example, once you master the rhythm of breathing through the facemask at the birthing center, you can actually time your nitrous oxide intake along with your contractions. Nitrous oxide for labor is mixed 50/50 oxygen, so the effect is much less extreme than the 80/20 nitrous oxide you may have experienced in a dentist’s office. It also has a half-life of a few minutes, so it does not remain in the baby’s system and depress his or her respiratory efforts at birth the way that IV opioids can.

Unlike an epidural, nitrous oxide does not block pain. Rather, it promotes feelings of relaxation and mild euphoria, which allow women to focus on the entire birthing experience as a whole, rather than on the pain of each individual contraction.  At the end of the day, every woman has the right to remain in control of her birthing experience, and for many, that means using nitrous oxide intermittently instead of pain relief methods that tie you to a bed or an IV, and restrict your freedom of movement.

In the past few years, hundreds of hospitals around the country have started offering nitrous oxide to women for pain management during labor. And since it has been in consistent use in Europe for the past few decades, there is plenty of evidence that the practice is safe for both the mother and their baby.

If you want to discuss your birth plan and possible pain relief options with an experienced and compassionate Nurse-Midwife, turn to Geneva Woods Birth Center in Anchorage, AK (the only birth center in Anchorage to offer 50/50 nitrous oxide). To learn more about working with a midwife at this birthing center, visit their website, and call (907) 561-2626 to make an appointment today.